>>10442358virtually all type 99s will function flawlessly. If you're new to japshit, avoid anything with a cylindrical bolt handle, and anything with spot-welded safety knob. Last ditch rifles are almost always alright to shoot, and its only the very last of the last Type-99s without the groove in the receiver for the dustcover that are dangerous to shoot.
Basically look for what you want in the rifle. If you want it as a wallhanger, try to find something with an intact mum, or all the danglies (AA sights, monopod, dustcover, etc) Otherwise if you're just looking for a new plaything, virtually any early war T-99 will work.
If possible, try to find something pre-1944, as they almost all have chromed bores, and unless they're shot out, its almost always salvageable.
Just keep in mind
-Plum shaped bolt handle
-Knurled safety knob
-Good factory finishing on the barrel and receiver.
And for godsakes, if you buy it off a WWII vet, or a WWII vet's stupid kid, be sure to remove the bolt and check the barrel for obstructions. A collector friend of mine found a booby-trapped one at a gun show a few months ago. That kind of shit will blow your arms off.